5th Gen Toyota 4Runner Overlanding Platform Walk Through | Affordable | In Depth Review | Dog Bed!

[@OverlandEngineer]

Check out the other videos on the channel where I walk through the dimensions of my setup! It takes a while to make dimensions so consider a sticker on my website to motivate me in the future to make more dimension walk throughs :)

[@tinabeane]

Thanks really well done and like how easy it is to remove. Looking for different ideas with my 4Runner.

[@FloridaBoyBushcraftSurvival]

Pretty cool. I have a 2008 Gen 4 that I am planning on making into a hurricane bugout vehicle after the Ian stuff and am planning on doing this....

[@denahom]

Right on! Thanks for showing how the seats are replaced. I had no idea I’m still in the shopping mode looking for a forerunner TRD off-road. Your design is the best I’ve seen so far great job and thank you for the video.

[@OverlandEngineer]

No problem!

[@TheCboy56]

That dog platform is such a good idea!

[@OverlandEngineer]

Thanks!

[@flippyswimz7165]

This is one of the best platforms I’ve seen built on KZbin, I like how you are able to leave the rear seat high backs in. I’m going to be getting into a trd pro soon, and being a tall guy (6’2”) I was worried about fitting comfortably. Well done!

[@OverlandEngineer]

Heck yeah! Check out my new build too! I think it’s even better. But I’m biased haha

[@joshuazj8819]

pretty cool man. i wanted to do this with my jeep but its full blown rockcrawler now

[@OverlandEngineer]

Thanks! Rock crawlers are cool too though...

[@tightlinesgl47]

Great design, simple but extremely functional. Just got 2022 5th TRD Off-Road Premium and I plan on doing something like your plan. Thanks

[@OverlandEngineer]

Right on!

[@michaelmcglone4272]

Great content! Really appreciate your attention to detail, cost consideration and transparency to your rationale behind the things you do. Keep up the great work and good luck!

[@OverlandEngineer]

Thanks!!

[@OverlandEngineer]

Check out my other build videos, they may be up your ally!

[@powerbeast5691]

Nice design! I was planning to do something similar for my Isuzu Rodeo Sport when I go overlanding. (Mine is shorter though, so I need to sleep above the front seats, I was planning to use large drawer style pull-out hinges for that). Yours is probably the most professional design I have seen so far on KZbin. Nice with the trunk mat also. Turnbuckle is a key word I learned just now. Thanks!

[@OverlandEngineer]

Awesome! I’m glad you like the design. I tried to create something functional but also easy to install. Check out my rear drawer video because I did modify this design slightly. The rear hatch is not the most ideal with a mattress, bins or cooler loaded in the trunk.

[@OverlandEngineer]

However, it is slick for everyday use if you do not want to spend the money on extra plywood or weighted drawer slides. It just depends on the use case really.

[@aintplyn]

Here from cboys vid and a new sub now.. Keep it up

[@OverlandEngineer]

Thank you!

[@Environmenthrall]

Nice build overall. Very clean.

[@OverlandEngineer]

Thanks! I’ve made some updates so check out that video too!

[@Hondo21435]

Sweet setup brotha

[@OverlandEngineer]

Thank you!

[@trailrunnah8886]

Looks good! I'm very impressed with the dog bed, that's genius LOL. I have a 60 lb lab, I'm guessing he would be into something like that, he curls into a little ball when he sleeps.

[@OverlandEngineer]

I've got a 65lb golden doodle and he does the same! He's got a ton of room and if you want to see it in action, I've got him laying in it in my rig walkaround video!

[@trailrunnah8886]

@@OverlandEngineer I actually just finished watching that walk around video, haha. He's a handsome boy! Looks about the same size as mine, he's a black lab / pointer mix.

[@OverlandEngineer]

@@trailrunnah8886 Thats an awesome breed! If you're into rig walkarounds or particularly like mine, I've got another one coming probably in May.

[@trailrunnah8886]

@@OverlandEngineer cool, I'll have to check it out. I'm also going to check out some of your other videos, I found this one while looking at platform and drawer options for my 4Runner. One of these days I'll get around to doing a walk around video, haha.

[@OverlandEngineer]

@@trailrunnah8886 Yeah I added a drawer to the back of my platform build so thats something to note. Everyone seems to find my oldest platform video first.

[@susanshaver912]

Questions: 1) You mention both you and your wife sleeping in the back, but where does she ride if the dog rides on the platform? 2) Can you sit up in bed with it on a platform like that? 3)Where is your spare tire? And how do you access it if it is below everything in the back? --- It looks fantastic. I am fascinated by the dog platform as I have never seen that before.

[@OverlandEngineer]

Yeah accommodating a dog was super important for us because we love our dog Otis and he needed a place other than the bed...I've never seen a dog platform video on youtube yet. Maybe I should make a unique video for it although it is rather simple. Check out my full vehicle walkaround: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pYG7aH-VfMt1isk&ab_channel=OverlandEngineer Answers! (Great Questions by the way) 1. The dog bed is suspended by a small wood insert near the cup holder, arm rest, and door armrest. It is about 1 inch thick including the plastic so we just take it out of the front seat and lay it on the bed when traveling. 2. I cannot sit up in bed. I can maybe go on all fours and crawl but I cannot sit up. I think the entire space without a platform is like 35" tall if you measured stock trunk carpet to the ceiling so the platform will reduce that clearance quite a bit but its still usable. 3. The tires are still stock size but hopefully will get larger. For the time being, the stock location on 4Runners is under the trunk on the exterior of the car (Theres a tool to crank down the spare I believe, I've done it on other vehicles but not my 4Runner yet...probably should double check that :) ). So until my tires are too large to store there, thats where I keep it. I presume I will need a tire carrier like the aftermarket bumpers or RIGD swing.

[@blizzster]

This is awesome. You could add couple hinges so that the legs on the middle section at 13:29 folds inward that way is easier to get in and out of the car but not a huge deal.

[@OverlandEngineer]

Yeah great point. I have seen the heavy duty locking hinges some people use for weight bearing fold up shelves in vans and stuff but they are a bit pricey. Also, I noticed they still have a little play and I did not want the platform to sway while driving offroad.

[@blizzster]

You did consider! Well instead of pricey hinge. Use double hinges. Cut 2 piece same length as the current leg that will fold from L to flat. When placed the second hinge will move into L position to lock the leg in place preventing sway. I am planing on testing this. Thanks!

[@OverlandEngineer]

@@blizzster Awesome!

[@mikecoughlin4128]

My favorite part is the dog bed. It would also be handy for a work surface in a truck during the day. Do you really think you need the turnbuckles? Nothing would shift with the back door down in my opinion.

[@OverlandEngineer]

Thanks, yeah I have not seen another platform with an added Dog bed. The turn buckles are honestly more for safety. But even then if you get in a crash the turn buckles probably won't do too much. It also helps with rattling.

[@J.Young808]

For what I want to do I need drawers. That’s a good design glad it works for you

[@OverlandEngineer]

I needed drawers too but at the time drawers were too expensive. This is ultra budget. I have since built a drawer system haha.

[@J.Young808]

@@OverlandEngineer is there a video?

[@OverlandEngineer]

@@J.Young808 Only like 6 haha

[@OverlandEngineer]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/qWKTlaKIbZlmjq8&ab_channel=OverlandEngineer kzbin.info/www/bejne/mmW0ioxme76dras&ab_channel=OverlandEngineer kzbin.info/www/bejne/rJ7Td3Rqo7iirLs&ab_channel=OverlandEngineer kzbin.info/www/bejne/nKrYiXedds95eKc&ab_channel=OverlandEngineer kzbin.info/www/bejne/nKWaZ6unf9GLndU&ab_channel=OverlandEngineer

[@nylonnalini]

Possible to do a level platform without taking out middle row seat bottom? We will lose storage but it will be quicker to turnaround weekly camper into daily runaround!

[@jayceewedmak9524]

Nice! Thank you 😊

[@jly3442]

Good luck on the channel. Also great platform build.

[@OverlandEngineer]

Thanks! Any feedback on the video? Content you would like to see?

[@OverlandEngineer]

@Luke Mangione I appreciate the feedback! Sometimes it does feel a bit repetitive and does not add much value. Only really cover it if there is a difference.

[@OverlandEngineer]

@Luke Mangione Also, you have a Land Rover Defender and Discovery?! And you are in college? Teach me your ways!

[@OverlandEngineer]

@Luke Mangione That's awesome! My family also had an older discovery ('94?). They are sweet cars but our transmission and electrical system seemed to need replacements yearly...I love the look and performance of those vehicles though. I just need the garage and tools capability to get into SUVs like that.

[@KAShuACE_8807]

I like this but I do not want to remove my seats and I want to keep the awsome oem tray pull out.

[@OverlandEngineer]

Yeah totally understandable. I wanted to remove the seats to have more headroom and a longer platform. Some people build a platform that goes over the seats folded down and I just wanted more room to move when laying on the platform. Also my 4Runner did not come with the slick tray so I had to build that on my weighted drawer. I've got a video on that too!

[@matthamma3802]

This is rad man. Props. One of the best platforms I've seen. Do you have the list of dimensions/design handy? Would like to recreate this for my 4runner

[@OverlandEngineer]

Sorry. I’ve done a few videos. I took them down to use on Patreon but I’ll just make them live. Give me a sec

[@OverlandEngineer]

LIVE!

[@OverlandEngineer]

Holy, 100k subscribers?! Awesome Dude! If you are looking for something a little more intricate, my aluminum extrusion platform is way better in my opinion but also more expensive...I have a detailed document outline my build on my website.

[@matthamma3802]

@@OverlandEngineer Haha thanks bro. and I appreciate it! I just subscribed ;). I'll check them out. I like the simplicity honestly, but am looking at your drawer conversion right now as that's more what I'm after in the rear compartment.

[@stevenobryan1764]

have you posted the demission's of the wood platform , I would like to try and create your setup for my 2011 4runner, thanks Steve, loved your video. thanks

[@OverlandEngineer]

Hello, I am working on detailed dimensions and a guide but I have put all the loose dimension videos on my patreon!

[@shendricks517]

Very creative nice job

[@OverlandEngineer]

Thanks!

[@jvh22a]

Looks awesome

[@hanzhefeng]

very nice platform! where did you get those thin rugs that can be wrapped around the plywood?

[@OverlandEngineer]

Thanks! Most hardware stores stock it and it’s called speaker carpet or outdoor carpet or marine carpet haha

[@NilDreams]

I’m just about to purchase a new 4runner. I’d like to do the exact same setup. This is the best I’ve ever seen! I want to remove the 2nd row seats completely though since I won’t be using them at all. I would love to be able to ask you questions if o need any assistance building this myself.

[@OverlandEngineer]

Feel free! I’ve got fairly detailed blueprint videos too. If you take out the seats, be aware that the middle section which only has legs on one side and a beam/board on the other side could probably use another set of legs on the beam/board side to maximize storage. Otherwise, since the beam/board side rests on the folded down back of the seat, you will need to beef up that section since the seat will no longer be a resting place.

[@NilDreams]

@@OverlandEngineer awesome!! The blueprint videos will probably be very helpful. Thanks for the suggestion on reinforcing the board on the seats area. I love the look of that carpet you put on as well...does it help with insulation much? I was thinking of just putting down a vinyl sheet floor instead for easy cleaning.

[@wmpopper]

Informative and instructional of a well designed and constructed platform...Did you create the platform design as you proceeded with the construction of the various platform sections or did you have initial drawn plans or sketches with required measurements for the various wood components to achieve the final design/construction?. Very well done, excellent design and carpentry skills.

[@OverlandEngineer]

I had an overall vision for the platform when I started. I measured each section custom then anchored it in the vehicle so the anchored portion was the frame of reference for the next piece. I took all the dimensions at the end to show my design because at the time there were very few videos on KZbin that did a dimension breakdown and explanation. Most people did a brief walk around showing functionality. Thanks for the feedback! My biggest recommendation is use spray adhesive for carpet and apply generously because it gets soaked up, then staple it down.

[@wmpopper]

@@OverlandEngineer Interesting process...Thank you, continued success with your KZbin endeavors.

[@sallyleavitt131]

Great design! Thanks for sharing. Any particular reason you did a lift up platform on the rear portion as oppose to drawers?

[@OverlandEngineer]

Primarily cost! If you want to do something on the cheap, some old door hinges, a 2x8, and some plywood gets you the majority of the way with the hatch design. Its not the most convenient but it stores things under the bed, especially if you use bins. Some gas struts could easily solve any weight issues if you needed some help lifting it with a heavy foam bed on top or something. A drawer setup is probably more optimal. It allows you to get under the bed while having things stacked on the bed or even if someone is laying on the bed. However, weighted drawer slides are around $100+ and you will need additional plywood, pocket screws, glue, jigs, etc. It requires more tools which can be accessible, but often times a barrier for someone getting into overlanding that needs a simple design to get out there and customize their setup based on their preferences! Long story short, this is a super attainable build for someone with a drill, hand saw, stapler, and some screws!

[@daviddyogi8279]

Do you have the video how you build the platform ans specs?

[@OverlandEngineer]

I have posted loose dimensions and explanatory videos on my patreon (link in description). I am still working on the Pdf design document but it is coming. Stay tuned! I also have a slightly luxurious model in the works.

[@lostagain2992]

very nice!

[@daviddyogi8279]

Much appreciated..thanks!

[@daleleuschen7867]

Nice job

[@busanhyung]

Can you make a video of how we can also.make that set up?

[@OverlandEngineer]

I have made loose dimension walk-through videos posted on my Patreon!

[@OverlandEngineer]

A more detailed outline is coming to the Patreon but I am still working on it.

[@andyking4701]

Love It!

[@biologistjim4905]

Beautiful work! Did you use spray adhesive or staples on the carpeting?

[@OverlandEngineer]

Both!

[@biologistjim4905]

@@OverlandEngineer thanks

[@daviddyogi8279]

With the platform, how much head room so you have wen all the sleeping bags are in? Can you actually sit up without crouching over?

[@OverlandEngineer]

I cannot. I think you can really only can do that if you don't have a drawer or seats left in. There is quite a bit of room but not enough to sit upright.

[@edwardcase3270]

Super!

[@OverlandEngineer]

In case you miss the link in the video, I just posted a platform update. Check it out!

[@wildherring3988]

Hey man, I love this build and would love to see your plans to attempt this on my own. Do you still have them and would you be willing to share them with me?

[@OverlandEngineer]

The videos where I walk through the dimensions are now on my Patreon! I’m in the process of create something more official but in the meantime my videos on Patreon have enough detail to explain the majority. I’m setting up the patreon to post more detailed information on my DIY projects and to host live calls with people that want to chat about rigs and their projects!

[@camgonehamvlogs3076]

Do you have build documents for this?

[@theremnants73]

Do you drive like this? I’m just concerned that in case of a crash, there wouldn’t be a give to the driver’s seat?! I know I always think of that kinda stuff but one’s chances are better if the whole system is broken down while driving. I’m a Mom lol

[@DRIVENROYALTY]

Gotta link for that dog hammock ??

[@OverlandEngineer]

Dog hammock?

[@potted9760]

Do you have plans to build this platform?

[@Pgd10020]

Do you have plans for this?

[@OverlandEngineer]

I will be posting some on my website eventually. My patreon has higher level dimensions and walkthroughs. I have been working on my current platform build designs more. Its my most recent video.

[@KAShuACE_8807]

I need the BP for this

[@rostamr4096]

Nicely done

[@OverlandEngineer]

Thank you! Changes coming soon to it!

[@sallyleavitt131]

Overland Engineer, how about a hint on your changes. I want to use your design as I get ready to do this in my 5th gen 4Runner for a cross country trip next summer.

[@OverlandEngineer]

@@sallyleavitt131 I will be posting a video on it hopefully next week. My video this week is about Maxtrax. If you have more specific questions about it the platform then I'm happy to answer them!

[@OverlandEngineer]

@@sallyleavitt131 To give a hint, I created a better design in the trunk so that I could use the platform for sleeping while accessing the stuff under the hatch. The design is much more practical now. When is your trip? Maybe I can push the video sooner!

[@sallyleavitt131]

Overland Engineer I’m in the planning stages for the trip now. I won’t take place until until next summer. Timing is still a bit up in the air depending on Covid!

[@JI814]

How long is it? I.e., how much length for sleeping?

[@OverlandEngineer]

The driver side is roughly 6'-6'2", I'm guessing the passenger side is around 6'8"-6'10"!

[@kyledanger45]

thats awesome !

[@OverlandEngineer]

Thanks! I just posted an update video!

[@kyledanger45]

@@OverlandEngineer on my way to check it out!

[@OverlandEngineer]

@@kyledanger45 Thanks for the support!

[@KoiTimeUSA]

Too bulky and heavy bro and takes up too much space imo but great job and as long as you like it 👍

[@OverlandEngineer]

It was a great first platform but something new is coming...!

[@KoiTimeUSA]

@@OverlandEngineer I just made a platform for my 2020 rav4 hybrid. It's modular folds away in the trunk and takes up about 5 inches of trunk space and lays flat and I can still use 2bd row.

[@OverlandEngineer]

@@KoiTimeUSA Thats awesome. I removed my seats for the headroom since I'm 6'3". I originally designed a similar platform in my 2011 RAV4 but when I got the 4Runner I decided to remove the seats. I reinforced the platform for the surface doors and it probably made it more bulky in the middle. It would be easy to make it less bulky if I wanted less storage options.

[@KoiTimeUSA]

@@OverlandEngineer yes you definitely need for space to be comfortable. Luckily for me I'm only 5'8" I was able to chop the platform into halves 2 sheets of 39" x 35" and it folds neatly into my trunk. I haven't carpet the .5" plywood yet. I think I just might throw a sleeping bad on the platform and try it out like that.

[@garymathews7382]

can we purchase this platform?

[@OverlandEngineer]

Shoot me an email! It’s in the channel description! I think it’s only viewable on desktop version not mobile.

[@andre1987eph]

Great except you made the mistake of getting married in America. But hopefully you’ll be the exception and make it to 50 years.